Another high profile hotel project sits languishing on the sidelines. Sadly, a request for proposals for a “pet hotel and resort” near the Louisville International Airport has found no takers. The C-J reports that the Louisville Regional Airport Authority had hoped to build a “first-class” two-acre resort catering to jet-setting pets in need of a little R&R, but a private operator couldn’t be found.
The facility would have provided “day care, boarding facilities, grooming, exercise and recreational services, retail shop, pickup and dropoff services and other amenities.” An airport spokesperson says the economy might be to blame, but Louisville might yet land a coveted airport pet resort like Houston and Jacksonville, FL. Airport officials say they may try again later to find an operator.
The pet hotel and resort was considered an innovative source of revenue for the airport. At least they’re thinking outside of the box.
I think this has enormous potential quite frankly. If I was a ‘player’ I would be open to this project.
Pet travel is certainly a trend that was increasing before the economic downturn (not sure where it stands today, but it’s obviously somewhat diminished as evidenced by this news). I can remember hearing about a pet-only airline not too long ago that would transport your pet in luxury. Pets are big business now-a-days and if this proposal ever gets off the ground (no pun intended), it will probably be popular.